"HRTV PRESENTS MUCHO MACHO MAN" ON DECEMBER 29th, 8:30 PM EASTERN

With the curtain falling on the memorable 2013 racing season, HRTV (R), The Network for Horse Sports, will present a special half-hour show chronicling one of the sport's enduring stars, Mucho Macho Man, this Sunday, Dec. 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

"HRTV Presents: Mucho Macho Man" will detail the storybook career of the 2013 Breeders' Cup Classic winner -- whose earnings now top the $5.3 million mark – as seen through the network's in-depth coverage since 2011.

Additionally, it was announced on Thursday that Mucho Macho Man was bestowed with the 2013 Secretariat Vox Populi, or "Voice of the People," Award.

The 5-year-old's on-track exploits are, obviously, a major part of the story, but hardly overshadow another compelling element. He is trained by heart transplant recipient, Kathy Ritvo, whose determination and courage has allowed her to battle extreme odds to reach the pinnacle in racing.

Uniquely intertwined in this feel-good scenario is Hall of Fame jockey, and former HRTV analyst, Gary Stevens. Included in Sunday's special will be Stevens' comments from 2011 when Mucho Macho Man was beginning to craft a great career by winning the Risen Star at the Fair Grounds.

His ascent continued from there, and Stevens witnessed Mucho Macho Man's growth through several graded stakes, along with a hard-fought runner-up finish in the 2012 Breeders' Cup Classic. The son of Macho Uno avenged that loss in the Classic at Santa Anita in November and Stevens had a perfect view of the huge win -- riding him to a nose victory as Stevens' own notable comeback, and return to the saddle, came full circle.

It was Stevens' second Grade 1 win aboard Mucho Macho Man (the first being in the Awesome Again at Santa Anita in September.)